Rachel Barrie has become the first female master blender to be given an honorary doctorate by the University of Edinburgh.

Barrie studied chemistry at the University of Edinburgh and now looks after the whisky at Brown- Forman’s three Scottish distilleries.

She creates single malts for BenRiach, Glenglassaugh and The GlenDronach distilleries and her service to the whisky industry has now been recognised with an honorary Doctor of Science.

“This is one of the proudest moments of my life,” said Barrie. “My quest has been to unlock a deeper understanding of the distillation, maturation and provenance of Scotch, to develop and nurture richness of character and taste and celebrate it with the world; it’s a great privilege to be recognised in this endeavour.

“The decisions made today provide the foundations for growth that will be built on by the master blenders and distillers that follow. I’m very thankful to have had a part to play in creating some of the finest whiskies in the world.”